It is all too easy (and maybe unfair) to critique CENELEC/Brussels
from 4,940 miles away, but I can't restrain myself any longer.
I do not debate the value of the AC Harmonics and Voltage Flicker
standards. (I bought the new HP AC harmonics analyzer; but it's main
function is generating 230VAC/50Hz for our Surge, EFT and conducted
emissions tests - so it's still quite useful.) And I wish to thank
everyone that passed on the info that is not casually available to
the rest of us.
As mentioned by others, harmonics control is costly. Overdesigned
products can be priced out of the marketplace. As a result, many
manufacturers are unwilling to support AC harmonics control in fear
of suffering needlessly for the next THREE years. On the other hand,
manufacturers don't want to fall behind on compliance either.
Power supply vendors (esp custom) must plan, budget, design,
prototype, submit for component safety approval(s), and EMC test new
designs. AFTER that stage, those power supplies must then be tested/
approved (safety, EMC, and functional) prior to cut-in at the system
level; all by June 1998.
So as of Now, each party has barely 5 months (minus holidays)
available to perform this feat. A standard/DOW this unstable is not
appreciated when we're so close to it's cut-in date.
Best Regards,
Eric Lifsey
One Very Annoyed Compliance Engineer
